The National Air and Space Museum is offering paid Summer Internships for 2026 for college and graduate students interested in gaining hands-on experience in museum work. Interns will work alongside experienced professionals across a wide range of disciplines, including communications, education, research, exhibitions, visitor experience, and science.
Location: Washington, DC, USA
Duration: 10 weeks (full time, onsite)
Stipend: USD 8,000
Application deadline: 31 January 2026
This programme is an excellent opportunity for students interested in museum social media, digital content creation, aviation, space, education, research, and public engagement. Interns will gain practical experience in a dynamic museum environment while working with world-renowned collections and experts.
What interns will do
Interns will receive structured, supervised, and mentored work experience, which may include:
- Creating short- and long-form digital content, including social media content related to aviation and space
- Supporting communications, marketing, and public engagement activities
- Assisting with research, education, exhibitions, archives, and visitor experience projects
- Participating in professional development and enrichment activities
- Working closely with museum staff on real-world projects
Internship areas available
Internship opportunities are available across multiple departments, including but not limited to:
- Communications and Social Media
- Marketing and Tourism Outreach
- Education and Digital Engagement
- Exhibits and Audience Evaluation
- Aeronautics and Space History
- Earth and Planetary Sciences
- Archives, Research, and Accessibility
- Visitor Experience and Accessibility
- Advancement and Prospect Research
Applicants may select up to three project areas during the application process.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be high school graduates
- Be currently enrolled in, or recently graduated from, an undergraduate or graduate degree-granting programme at an accredited college or university
- Be available to participate full time for 10 weeks during the summer internship period
- Be able to work onsite at one of the National Air and Space Museum locations in Washington, DC
Internship details
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Schedule: Full time
- Compensation: USD 8,000 stipend
- Location: Onsite at the National Air and Space Museum
Academic year internships
In addition to summer internships, the museum offers select academic year internships, which are typically part time and run for 8–12 weeks. These opportunities support ongoing museum projects and are posted as they become available.
How to apply
Applications must be submitted through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA).
To apply:
- Create an account here
- Start a new application
- Select “National Air and Space Museum” under Office/Museum/Research Center
- Select the current year and up to three project choices
- Upload all required materials and submit
Required application materials
- Resume
- Statement of purpose (500–1,000 words) describing the internship area of interest and how the internship supports academic and career goals
- Unofficial academic transcript
- Two letters of recommendation
Applicants may submit their application before all letters of recommendation are received.
Questions or technical issues
For programme-related questions, applicants may contact the museum using the email provided on the internship website.
For technical issues with SOLAA, contact: OCIOHelpDesk@si.edu
The National Air and Space Museum is offering paid Summer Internships for 2026 in Washington, DC. This full-time, 10-week onsite programme provides college and graduate students with hands-on experience across areas such as communications and social media, education, research, exhibitions, visitor experience, and science. Interns will work with museum professionals, participate in structured learning and professional development activities, and gain exposure to aviation and space-related projects. The internship includes an USD 8,000 stipend. Applications must be submitted through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System by 31 January 2026.
For more opportunities, click here.
